My Fellow Jamaicans and Friends of Jamaica,
As we celebrate another milestone in the remarkable journey of our beloved Jamaica, I extend warm and heartfelt greetings to our vibrant Jamaican Diaspora across the 33 states served by the Consulate General of Jamaica in New York, and to our friends in Puerto Rico and Bermuda. This 63rd Anniversary of Independence is more than a date on the calendar. It is a testament to a people who continue to rise, to overcome, and to contribute with pride to every corner of the world we touch. We celebrate this year under the inspiring theme, “Be Proud. Be Bold. In the Black, Green and Gold”, a call to carry our identity with honor and to live each day with courage and purpose.
The Black, Green and Gold are far more than the colors of a flag; they are the living story of who we are as Jamaicans. Black speaks to the firm grounding gifted to us by our forebears, whose strength and resilience carried them through struggle and sacrifice to secure the freedoms we now enjoy. It is the unyielding foundation upon which our people, through determination and courage, carved a path from hardship to hope. Green carries the promise of growth and renewal. It is the fertile land of our island home, but also the seeds of hope planted by parents and ancestors who dreamed of brighter days and a future of endless possibilities. Gold shines as the light that guides our steps. It reflects the natural wealth of our country, the brilliance of our culture, and the unshakable optimism of a people who believe in tomorrow and dare to walk boldly toward it.
Together, these colors are not mere symbols. They are a song of resilience, a poem of hope, and a banner of triumph for Jamaicans wherever we may be. They remind us that our heritage is not just to be carried, but to be lived—radiating strength, inspiring purpose, and lighting the way for generations to come.
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For those of us in the Diaspora, the Black, Green and Gold take on even deeper meaning. These colors are stitched into our journeys, reminding us that even as we build our lives in new lands, our roots are deep and unbreakable. Roots do not confine; they empower. They give us the strength to adapt, to thrive, and to uplift the communities we now call home, while never forgetting the soil that gave us our first steps. Like a great tree that grows strong and stretches its branches outward, we must offer shade and support to our brothers and sisters who may need a helping hand, knowing that we are never alone in this world. Our success is shared, and with it comes a shared responsibility to one another, to our communities, and to the nation that first shaped us.
We must also live our lives with purpose. Purpose gives meaning to our achievements and clarity to our journeys. It calls us to rise each day not only to build our own dreams but to lift others as we climb. In your personal lives, in your families, and in your professional pursuits, I urge you to embrace this Independence with the resolve to be bold in your aspirations, to serve with pride, and to live as true ambassadors of the Black, Green and Gold.
As we look homeward, let us remember that the paths that took us away can also lead us back. Returning is not always physical; it can be found in the sharing of knowledge, skills, and resources to help Jamaica move forward. Today, our nation is making strides toward Vision 2030, building a society that is prosperous, secure, and welcoming to all. Crime reduction initiatives are bearing fruit, and new investments in education, technology, and infrastructure are helping to strengthen our economy. While there is still work to be done, the achievements are real, and the opportunities are abundant for those willing to contribute, invest, and partner in the country’s growth.
This Independence, let us renew our commitment to live boldly, to act with purpose, and to remain united in the belief that Jamaica’s best days are still ahead. Let us continue to be the living branches of the tree that our ancestors planted, bearing fruit and casting shade wherever we are in the world.
On behalf of the Government of Jamaica, the Consulate General in New York, and my dedicated team, I wish for each of you a joyful and inspiring Independence. Let us be proud, let us be bold, and let us continue to shine in the Black, Green and Gold.
Happy 63rd Independence, Jamaica!
Alsion Roach Wilson, OD
Consul General of Jamaica
New York
Independence Message from Consul General Alison Wilson, OD, on Jamaica’s 63rd Independence Anniversary added by Caribbean American Weekly on
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